#32 Waterworks Museum

Tell us a bit more about yourself
I am from Cleveland, Ohio, but I am currently living in Boston, Massachusetts, USA where I attend Boston University where I am pursuing my Masters in Art History and Museum Studies. I also work part-time at the Museum of Science, Boston. My primary interest is art museums though I enjoy museums in general and am attempting to see as many different types of museums while I am here in Boston.

Tell us a bit more about your adopted museum
My adopted museum is the Waterworks Museum in Boston. The museum opened in 2011 with the mission of educating the public on the history of Boston’s water system. The museum, situated on the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, holds two giant engines used to pump water for the city. The Waterworks Museum also holds the honor of being the birthplace of water purity studies. The museum is free of charge and is open Wednesday 11:00am- 9:00pm and Thursday-Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm.

Why have you chosen to adopt this museum?
This museum is a recent addition to the plethora of museums in and around Boston. I would like to promote it because not only is it entirely unique, but I was extremely impressed with their presentation. Located outside of the city proper and devoted to such a unique subject I fear that most people are unaware of its existence. Located on the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, a popular recreational area, I want those who frequent the area to realize what is inside that strange looking building. The Waterworks Museum gives us an insight into something we take for granted in the 21st century, clean water right in our homes. Where does it come from and how does it get there? The Waterworks Museum will tell you!

Why would you recommend people visit?
Honestly I wasn’t expecting a lot out of this museum when I visited, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is the building a work of art, but the large machines (the pumps) are themselves beautiful in their own mechanic way. The virtual costumed interpreters were wonderful! I am generally against digital screens in museums, but the Waterworks Museum uses them in an appropriate and entertaining way. Best of all it’s free! So why not stop by?

How would you sum up your museum in three words?
Beautiful, powerful, enlightening